An experimental study on the behavior of rockfill materials using scale tests

Abstract

This paper describes the results of two series of large-scale direct shear and triaxial tests conducted on rockfill materials, used in dam construction in Iran. The materials studied in this work had been used in the construction of the shell of the Madani, Mianeh, Sabalan and Sahand rockfill dams in north-west of Iran. The tests are conducted at low to high confining stresses to relate their findings to the shear strength of rockfill materials. considering the current test results in conjunction with previous laboratory data, failure criteria for particle breakage of rockfill materials has been assessed. Finally, the relation between the Los Angeles index and particle breakage criterion of rockfill is studied, and the implications of a linear envelope are discussed. Two parallel rockfill gradations, well-graded and poorly-graded materials, for specimens compacted to similar porosities are considered, the role of gradations effect on shear strength, is discussed. © 2008 ejge.